Christmas

This Christmas it was our year to head up to Boise to spend the holidays with Andy's family. We celebrated Christmas early with my family then made the trek to Idaho. We split the trip by spending the night in Provo with my Aunt Vicky on our way there and back. Since it is such a long drive we had to break up the trip for the kids, and I'm glad we did because we were able to see a whole lot of family this way.
We had a wonderful Christmas and Andrew especially enjoyed playing with all of his cousins that he doesn't see that often. I was happily surprised with how well the kids did traveling in the car for so long. Talia protested like normal but overall she did good. As much as I don't like the cold it was fun seeing the snow during the holidays because it makes it really feel like Christmas.

Andy's Grandpa Earle McEwen passed away just before Thanksgiving and trying to get the entire family together is always a little difficult so Andy's Dad decided the best time for the funeral service would be right before Christmas when everyone was together in Boise. It was especially nice to be there to pay our respect to Grandpa McEwen.

It felt good to spend our holiday with so many family members, and just hang out and catch up. Excuse the picture overload, there was a lot to cover!

VEGAS CHRISTMAS WITH MY FAMILY

My Mom always makes an incredible meal and sets a beautiful table. We enjoyed a delicious turkey, mashed potatos, green salad, green beans, rolls, fruit salad and martinelli's.

We got some great gifts, just to name a few...Talia got her first baby doll,  Andrew got some awesome floor puzzles, I got some incredible jewelry, and Andy got ties/shirts/socks for work from my parents.

Andrew was super excited to give Papa Guy his gift...a remote control helicopter! My Dad is very much a kid at heart.

GRANDPA MCEWEN'S FUNERAL

The funeral was held at the chapel that Andy's parents attend.

Here I am with Andy's Grandma's, on the left of me is Grandma DeCoursey and on the right is Grandma McEwen.

Andrew was so good during the funeral which was such a relief for me. With a 3 year old you never know what to expect!

Andy with with his sister Brittany and Brother Nate

Grandpa and Talia at Emily's home after the funeral for refreshments.

CHRISTMAS DAY

Andrew was so excited to see what Santa brought...his hair is also out of control in this picture!

Andrew was quick to unwrap gifts! Talia's first Christmas!!! She was unsure on what to do.

Since she didn't get the whole concept of  unwraping gifts, she decided to just climb on them instead.

Andrew asked for a rocket for Christmas so we got him 2, a toy one he can play with a tent one too.

Here is Grandma and Talia after Christmas dinner just hanging out. Karen cooked up a storm for 26 people I believe. We had prime rib and ham, mashed potatos, rolls, steamed veggies and jello, it was soooo good!

Andrew hugging his cousin Jada

Andrew with a few of his cousins around his age. Jake, Tyler, and Jada. These kids had a blast running around and playing together. It was rather loud and out of control at times.

just hanging out

A kiss for Mama...I love my boy!

UTAH PIT STOP

Here we are at Pirate Island in Provo with my cousin Vanessa, her husband Robert and two kids, and my cousin Laura's boys. Pirate Island is an awesome/better version of Chucky Cheese. I just wanted to go to hear the servers talk...I was warned that they all talk like pirates. It was pretty funny. Andrew of course was in heaven, it was his first time at a place like this. His cousin James donated all 450 tickets he had won to Andrew so he could leave with some prizes...such a sweet kid.

That night Andrew snuggled on the couch with Tia Vicky and watched Monsters Inc. She is always so sweet and goes out of her way to welcome us whenever we stay with her. We had a huge meal with her, my Aunt Fina, and my cousin Vanessa, Robert and her kids. It was a full house once again. We feel so blessed to have such loving and caring families. We had a wonderful holiday.